The photographer for the 2019 Pirelli calendar has been announced

Albert Watson has shot 100 covers for Vogue as well as unforgettable portraits of big names such as Alfred Hitchcock and Kate Moss

Words: Russell Sheldrake

Anyone with a knowledge of photography will know the name of Albert Watson. Even if you’re little rusty with your who’s who’s of prolific and celebrated photographers, you will instantly recognise his work.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, the 76-year-old’s career spans an incredible five decades, in which he has produced iconic imagery of the rich, famous and inordinately talented.

Iconic is much over-used word in photography, but that isn’t something which could be levelled at Watson. Close your eyes and think of Steve Jobs or Alfred Hitchcock, and you’re most likely picturing one of Watson’s images.

Alfred Hitchchock shot by Albert Watson

This week is has been announced that the US-based artist (he emigrated in 1970) will be bringing his talents and unique touch to the Pirelli 2019 calendar.

One of the biggest photography events of every year, the global tyre company’s calendar has been the place for provocative imagery from the worlds of art, photography and fashion since 1964.

Of late there’s been a move away from garage-friendly nudity, with photographers – including Tim Walker, Peter Lindbergh and Annie Leibovitz – bringing a more thoughtful approach on beauty and gender.

Michael Jackson shot by Albert Watson

With that in mind we’re excited to see what Watson will produce, with the man himself saying he wants to “approach this in a different way to the other photographers.”

Here is a selection of some of Watson’s best-known work to get a flavour of what we can expect when the Pirelli 2019 calendar is released later this year.